Just ordered my first GS and pick it up next Monday. I want to put a good set of frame-mounted crash bars on it. I've only seen the Touratechs so far. Anyone know of anyone else that makes them? I plan on dumping the bike frequently and want as much protection as possible.

I have had the Altrider bars for a number of years now and could not be happier. I have had a half dozen falls and no damage to bike or bars. The photos here show my first trial of the bars, speed was about 40 km/h. Note there was no mud on the handlebars (I tried to claim it wasn't an off because the bars didn't touch the ground but no one allowed it).

The other times were at slower speeds but the bike fell much harder, sorry but no photos of that.

The quality and fit of the bars is exceptional, as a boilermaker welder myself that is not a laymans opinion. I could not recommend them highly enough. I nearly bought them direct though their website but found another online shop where they were considerably cheaper, how that happens I don't know but either way, look around.

Just installed the Touratech upper and lower bars on my '13. I'll be spending the summer in Utah and hope to get in a lot of dirt riding, so I figured I'd go with something that protects the upper plastics too during my inevitable topples.

Just installed the Touratech upper and lower bars on my '13. I'll be spending the summer in Utah and hope to get in a lot of dirt riding, so I figured I'd go with something that protects the upper plastics too during my inevitable topples.

with you oem aux lights it looks like a little GSA. Looking smart! This is how it should come out of the factory :o)

__________________Keep the smile on your face!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaver

You can be imitated but not replaced. You're such a special blend the recipe is guarded like KFC's 11 herbs and spices.

Just installed the Touratech upper and lower bars on my '13. I'll be spending the summer in Utah and hope to get in a lot of dirt riding, so I figured I'd go with something that protects the upper plastics too during my inevitable topples.

Those top bars sure look pretty but I hope they are stupendously strong as they look fairly close to the body work. After the last couple of falls on mine they had bent about an inch to one side so had to be straightened back central on each side.

Those top bars sure look pretty but I hope they are stupendously strong as they look fairly close to the body work. After the last couple of falls on mine they had bent about an inch to one side so had to be straightened back central on each side.

My dealer just got those same bars back from powder coat (flat black) and are installing them soon. Had the fork legs pulled to send to Ohlins for the new (WP) kit to be installed. I'm guessing about 3 weeks before I see the bike again- was in for 600mi service anyway.

Their bars seemed to be the best coverage out of one bar with out a bunch of add ons. The fit and finish is extremely clean, the front connecting area uses a billet alum insert for solid reinforcement, and the upper mounting uses the original engine mounting bolts with a full length portion of the bars inserting into the frame recession.

Expensive, but great fit and finish, easy to install, look great, and all though I have not had to put them to the test they look to be built to handle multiple crashes if need be!

I would attach pics however im new here, and still have not figured that part out yet?

FWIW- the F800 and F650 GS' used at the BMW riders school in South Carolina are equipped with SW Motech crash bars. Those bikes are down a few times a day in all kinds of terrain, and damage is VERY rare.